flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈfla-tə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

a

: the act or practice of flattering

She uses the art of flattery to her advantage.

b(1)

: something that flatters

A compliment is flattery …

—Harry Shaw

(2)

: insincere or excessive praise

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

2

obsolete : a pleasing self-deception

Synonyms

• praise
• butter
• adulation
• acclaim
• adoration
• sweet talk

Examples of flattery in a Sentence

He tried to win his teacher's favor with flattery.

a talk show host who is known for charming her guests with disingenuous flattery

Recent Examples on the Web

And there was no such thing as being violated by a man with means: that was a form of flattery. —Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 16 June 2025

Trump has praised the warming Qatar-Saudi Arabia relationship and showered flattery on his hosts. —Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 15 May 2025

Amazon recently paid to air old episodes of The Apprentice, Trump’s 2004-2017 reality TV show, on Prime Video—another way to send both money and flattery to the president. —Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025

Sometimes my brother steals my puns, which should be the greatest form of flattery. —Elana Rabinowitz, Chicago Tribune, 9 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

see flatter entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing flattery

• flattery will get you nowhere
• self-flattery

Rhymes for flattery

• battery
• slattery

Kids Definition

flattery

noun

flat·​tery ˈflat-ə-rē 

plural flatteries

1

: the act of flattering

2

: praise that is excessive or not sincere